Alcohol and Anxiety: How are they connected?

Alcohol is sometimes used to relax or take the edge off stress, but it can actually make anxiety worse over time. While drinking may provide temporary relief, alcohol affects brain chemistry in ways that can increase anxious thoughts and feelings later on. Understanding the connection between alcohol and anxiety can help people make more informed choices about their overall health and well-being.

According to Stacy Seitz, Vice President of Clinical Services at Centerstone, there are several reasons that alcohol and anxiety are so closely linked. “Alcohol lowers inhibitions and may feel as though it reduces stress or immediate strong emotions,” says Seitz. “Many people with anxiety drink alcohol to reduce symptoms; however, the results are short lived.” Alcohol may initially calm someone’s anxiety but can increase anxiety in the long term. For example, alcohol withdrawal may increase anxiety. Additionally, long term use can disrupt brain chemistry and stress regulation.

While it may seem like alcohol is a good stress reducer in the moment, what’s happening internally is another story. Alcohol slows activity in the brain and enhances calming, which feels like a reduction of anxiety or worry. However, once alcohol leaves the brain or body, anxiety can feel as though it increases or rebounds following alcohol use. If someone uses alcohol over time to cope with anxiety symptoms, our bodies chemical compositions (neurotransmitters) and dopamine (reward systems) are impacted which can lead to an increase in anxiety symptoms.

One common term associated with this is hangxiety. Hangxiety is a rebound effect of alcohol leaving the body and is more common in individuals who already have symptoms of anxiety. “A person with anxiety that consumes alcohol can potentially see an increase in panic, irritability, or anxiety the day after alcohol use,” Seitz adds.

If you find that you rely on alcohol to help cope with feelings of anxiety, it may initially be challenging to see if this use is problematic. “I would recommend looking at the why/frequency/and what happens if they do not drink. Why are they using alcohol to manage their feelings (is it to take the edge off, to be around people, etc.)? How often do they drink to manage their feelings? What would happen if they didn’t drink? All these questions are important to identify if use is problematic,” says Seitz.

If you are looking for healthier, evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety without relying on alcohol, consider these:

• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Grounding exercises
• Challenging anxious thoughts
• Developing positive coping skills

Individuals should seek help for alcohol use when they experience loss of control over drinking, drink to cope with emotions, experience negative consequences related to drinking, have withdrawal symptoms, if others in their lives express concern, or if they feel like they have to drink.

Experiencing symptoms of anxiety can feel challenging, but you never have to face them alone – Centerstone is here for you. Call us at 877-HOPE123 (877-467-3123) or visit our website to learn more about our counseling services.